Chapter 15, Lessons 1 - 2

 A.Increased American immigration to Texas meant more Texans began to support annexation to the United States. B.The US Senate still rejected attempts at annexation.  Did not want another slave state  Concerned about Mexico I.The Texas Question

 A.Phrase coined by John O’Sullivan B.The belief that the US should settle from coast to coast. i.People wanted to settle fertile farmland in the west ii.Merchants wanted ports on the west coast for trading with Asia. II.Manifest Destiny

 A.The candidates: i.James K. Polk – favors annexation ii.Henry Clay – opposed to annexation B.Polk’s win shows Americans want to move west! III.1844 US Presidential Election

 A.Congress passed a Joint Resolution for annexation i.Texas could keep its public lands, but should sell some to pay it’s debts ii.Texas could be divided into five states with the approval of both the state and federal governments. B.A resolution, instead of a treaty, allows for quick and easy approval. IV.Congress Approves Annexation

What is Manifest Destiny? What 2 reasons do people want to move west? Who was US President at the time of annexation? What were the 2 main provisions of the Joint Resolution?

 A.Mexico offers to recognize Texas as independent if they do not join the United States. B.Texas rejects the offer. V.Mexico Offers Recognition PLEASE? NO!!!

 A.December 29, 1845 – Polk signs the resolution, making Texas a state. B.Texas becomes the 28 th state C.Anson Jones, last president of Texas, hands over the Republic to the new state government. VI.“The Republic of Texas in No More.”

 A.Written in 1845, was very similar to the Louisiana state constitution. B.Provided for a Three Branch Government i.Executive Branch – Governor  J. Pinckney Henderson ii.Legislative Branch – Congress  US Senators – Sam Houston and Thomas Rusk  Representatives – D. Kaufman and T. Pillsbury iii.Judicial Branch – Court System VII.New State Constitution

 A.A vote is taken to keep the state capital in Austin. B.Native American clashes continue in the west. i.The US provides money for the Reservation system, but it is not successful.  Not enough land on the reservation on which to survive.  Some Native Americans refused to move  Many settlers believed this created more raids in North Texas. C.Slavery continues to be a growing issue in US politics. VIII.State and Federal Issues

Texas joins the US as which state #? Who was the 1 st governor of TX? What role does Sam Houston play in the state government? Why did the reservation system fail?

 A.Didn’t become organized in the US until 1850 B.Differing ideals begin to divide the country and influence politics. IX.Political Parties

  Most Texas leaders join  Strong in the South  Represented the interest of the working class – farmers and laborers  Supported slavery Democratic Party

  Few Texans support this party  Represented business and commercial interests  Opposed expanding slavery into western US territories Whig Party

  Began as a secret organization  When asked about their activities, they would respond with “I know nothing.”  Believed in Nativism and wanted to restrict immigration.  The practice of nominating candidates by convention originated with this party. American/Know-Nothing Party

  Split from the Whigs of the issue of slavery  Strongly opposed the expansion of slavery  Had NO support in Texas prior to the Civil War Republican Party

Which political party did most Texans join? What other major political parties existed in the mid- 1800s? Why did the Republican Party have no support in Texas?

 A.Some groups had no voice in politics and were denied the right to vote, including: A.Women, African Americans, and Native Americans B.In Texas, Tejanos did have the right to vote. X.No Voice in Politics

Which groups did not have voting rights? Complete the Summary Questions.